Life Essentials

Visa Essentials 

All non-UAE citizens students require an annual student residence visa in order to study at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Student residence visas are issued to students who are enrolled and accepted by the university. The Registrar Department at the university will process visas once a student has been accepted onto a study programme. 

The documents required for an entry visa request are:  

• Passport copy  
• Colour passport photo  
• International medical insurance (valid in the UAE)  
• Visa request form 

Once the residence visa is issued, a copy of your flight ticket or date of entry (if by other means) should be provided to the Student Affairs Department. Upon arrival in the UAE, a medical examination will be done to finalise the paperwork.  

To renew your annual visa, you are required to: 

• undergo a new medical examination, 
• renew your Emirates ID Card, and 
• submit your passport and medical insurance card to the Registrar Department. 

Getting your Emirates ID 

All international students, including those from GCC countries, must apply for an Emirates ID Card as soon as they arrive in Abu Dhabi. 

Local Customs  

Although Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities, students are requested to learn about local laws and customs prior to arrival. Visit Abu Dhabi is a useful resource to find out more about local customs and traditions. For any further information or questions, students can contact the Student Affairs Department. 

Before you leave the UAE 

Upon completion of your studies, your student visa will be cancelled approximately three weeks before your departure from the UAE. To process the visa cancellation, you must provide: 

• a copy of your passport, 
• your Emirates ID Card, and 
• your medical insurance card. 

For additional information, please visit the page dedicated to student visas. 

During events and internships sponsored and organised by the university, students are automatically covered for accidents on or off campus. However, it is recommended that students have sufficient local medical insurance to cover any unforeseen events off campus, which are not linked to the university. There is a range of local and international insurance providers available. Please contact the Registrar Department for more information. 

Accommodation in Abu Dhabi offers students a safe and convenient environment, both on campus and across the city. As a student at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, you will have access to purpose-built university housing as well as modern accommodation options beyond campus.  

On-campus student housing 

Imagine reaching your classrooms, the library, and all campus facilities within five minutes. This is what Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers with its dedicated on-campus residences, designed specifically for students and located within walking distance of the campus, making daily routines simple. Living on campus is particularly recommended for new international students, as it simplifies day-to-day logistics, supports integration into student life, and reduces commuting time and costs.

Joelle Khaled El Ahmadie, a former student in Economics and Management, shares: "Living with university friends made the experience even more memorable and enjoyable, as we often studied together in the study rooms and attended residence events whenever possible. Overall, the residence provided a safe and highly supportive living environment that greatly enhanced my university experience."

Hawra Jasim Abdulwahab, who graduated in Law, highlights: "Living in the dorms truly felt like having a second home. The accommodation was comfortable, safe, and very accommodating, which made everyday life easy and stress-free. Everything I needed was available, and the environment was quiet, convenient, and supportive. Being on campus made my routine much easier."

Students may apply for housing through the university’s Student Housing programme, which is subject to availability and specific rules and regulations.

Want to learn more about SUAD Residences? Visit our FAQs for more information.

Off-campus accommodation 

Abu Dhabi offers a variety of off-campus housing options, including studio apartments, shared flats, and private residences in areas such as Al Reem Island, Al Khalidiya, and the city center.  

Rental prices vary depending on location, building facilities, and whether you choose to live alone or share. Many students opt to share accommodation to reduce costs and to live with classmates or friends, which can also help create a supportive social environment while studying in Abu Dhabi. 

When choosing off campus, you will typically sign a tenancy contract and may be asked to provide documents such as an Emirates ID, proof of income or sponsorship, and post-dated cheques or electronic payments. We kindly encourage you to take some time to explore your options and understand lease terms, taking into account deposits and utility cost. 

As a city of culture and innovation, Abu Dhabi is well connected and easy to explore. In this section, we’ll introduce a wide range of reliable transport options to help you get around the city with ease. 

Taxis and ride-hailing  

Taxis are widely available in Abu Dhabi and provide comfortable and budget-friendly transportation options. They are metered and regulated by the local transport authorities, making them a safe and convenient way to get around the city. You can usually find taxis at dedicated ranks in main public spots (malls, city-center, shops, and so on). You can also book them via the Yango app or by calling this number: 600 53 53 53. Yango is generally the most economical way to book taxis, but you also have apps like Careem or Uber, which however usually use private drivers and can be more expensive.  

Public buses and smart mobility 

Abu Dhabi’s public bus network connects a wide range of areas, from nearby neighborhoods such as Maryah Island and the city center, to farther locations like Al Bateen, Yas Island, and even other emirates. It offers an affordable way to commute to campus and explore the city.  

To use public bus services, you must have a transport card or pass, which can also provide discounted fares for regular users. 

Buses run on regular schedules, including night services on certain routes. Students can use apps such as Darbi or mapping platforms to plan their journeys and check real-time timings while exploring Abu Dhabi. If you plan to travel outside the emirate, please refer to the information in the section “Experience the UAE”.  

Car rental and driving 

If you are studying at SUAD, whether for one semester or several years, you need a UAE driving licence. However, your home country licence can often be translated and converted into a UAE licence. 

You can rent a car through international agencies such as Europcar or Sixt, local companies like Thrifty, or even via apps such as Yango and Careem, which now offer car rental services. Rental companies may also apply minimum age requirements, security deposits, and specific insurance conditions, so it is important to review the terms carefully and drive in accordance with local traffic laws. 

Bank Accounts 

Students are recommended to open a local bank account once they have received their student visa. There are a range of competitive, flexible options available to students from a number of banks including the First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank amongst others. This will make local transactions and overseas transfers easier for students living in Abu Dhabi. 

To visit First Abu Dhabi Bank website, click here.

To visit Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank website, click here.

Mobile Phone Accounts 

Etisalat and Du are the primary telephone operators in the UAE who offer a range of pre-paid and post-paid phone and data bundles at competitive rates. Students are recommended to subscribe to a mobile account as soon as they receive their student visa and register their number with the Student Affairs Department in case of any emergencies.

To visit Etisalat website, click here.  

To visit Du website, click here.

Living in Abu Dhabi is convenient for students, with plenty of options to buy groceries and everyday essentials. Supermarkets and convenience stores are widely available, from large chains like Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket to smaller local shops near the campus or in residential areas and you students are especially lucky, as a Lulu branch has opened just five minutes from the university. 

Many students also use delivery apps such as Talabat, Careem, InstaShop or Deliveroo, which allow you to order groceries, meals, and other essentials directly to your doorstep—often at the best prices. 

With a diverse population representing over 200 nationalities, the UAE is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. This diversity is reflected in everyday life, from workplaces and universities like Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to public spaces and cultural institutions.

Joelle Khaled El Ahmadie, a former student in Economics and Management, emphasizes: "The campus community was incredibly diverse, bringing together students from many nationalities and cultural backgrounds. What stood out most was the genuine curiosity people showed in learning about each other’s traditions, perspectives, and experiences. Differences were not only accepted but truly valued." 

The UAE has established a strong legal and institutional framework that promotes mutual respect, coexistence, and social harmony. Government initiatives and national policies actively encourage dialogue between cultures and communities, contributing to a safe and inclusive environment for residents and visitors alike. 

Everyone’s freedom of worship is respected, and individuals are able to practice their religion peacefully. The UAE is home to numerous places of worship for all believers. A notable example is the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. This place symbolises interfaith dialogue and coexistence by bringing together a mosque, a church, and a synagogue within one shared complex. 

This atmosphere of openness and respect allows students from all backgrounds to feel welcome, supported, and free to express their identities while living and studying in the UAE. Joelle adds: "The culture of tolerance and diversity at SUAD was one of its most defining strengths. It provided a safe environment where I felt completely comfortable being who I am, with full authenticity and transparency. From the very beginning, I sensed an atmosphere of openness and respect that encouraged everyone to express themselves freely. I felt included, respected, and appreciated as an individual, which made my university experience both enriching and deeply meaningful."